Siddaramaiah Turns Tables on PM Modi’s “Farmers Ignored” Remark

Addressing the Kisan Morcha Karyakartas of Karnataka on Wednesday, 2 May, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that the state needed a government that would work for the betterment of farmers.

Modi slammed the Congress government in for “ignoring” the welfare of farmers in the state, asserting that the farmers were not beneficiaries of Central schemes due what he alleged was the “apathy” of the Siddaramaiah government.

CM Siddaramaiah was quick to respond reminding PM Modi about what his government has done for the farmers. In a series of tweets, Siddaramaiah spoke of his government’s achievements.

4 We have launched Direct Income Support program for 70 lakh dryland famers. They get Rs 5000 to 10000 in their Bank account for growing crops
5 We have financed construction of two lakh farm ponds.
6 We have allocated 50,000 Cr in 5 years & spent 45,000 crores on irrigation
3/6

— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) May 2, 2018

In his address, PM Modi also said:

The farmers of the state could not get the benefit of the Centre’s crop insurance scheme due to indifference shown by the government. The state needs a government that is sensitive to farmers, agriculture and farmers’ welfare.

PM Modi said the Siddaramaiah government's main objective was to “fool” the farmers, while Yeddyurappa was a “farmers’ leader.” He promised that Yeddyurappa, the BJP’s chief ministerial candidate, would work for the welfare of farmers once he comes to power.

In response, Siddaramaiah accused PM Modi him of being insensitive towards the demands of the farmers.

Now about PM’s insensitivity towards farmers
1. I asked for farm loan waiver. PM refused
2. I asked for intervention to solve Mahadayi issue. PM refused.
3. I asked for increase in Disaster Relief Fund as Karnataka gets 1750 Cr. & Maharashtra gets 8000 Cr. No reply from PM
6/6

— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) May 2, 2018

PM Modi, who was addressing farmers through his NaMo mobile app, said that he was working on a platform for farmers to directly reach markets in order to get the best possible price for their produce.

Pm Modi also said that his government added Rs 11 lakh crore for agricultural loans, and was committed to doubling the income of farmers by 2022.

He claimed that his government provided one crore farmers with ‘Soil Health Cards’, and brought 24,000 hectare land under micro-irrigation.

(The copy has been updated to include the tweets of Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah)

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